Middle Creek Farms, Engelhard, N.C.
This wheat season is shaping up to be another solid one. So far, yields range from 65-117 with the majority of fields yielding in the 80′s and 90′s. I did find one exception yesterday where we think head scab was the culprit. That field was picking around 30 bushels. Freeze damage may of added to the problem but I’m skeptical due to the fact the farm across the road averaged in the high 90′s. Heads in the affected field also had the common “pink tink” thats characteristic of this disease late season.
Most growers in Hyde county will complete harvest early next week if weather conditions persist. Adequate moisture is available to get double crop beans planted. Similar to last year, high yields are being reported across a variety of management styles. When this happens in Hyde county, it usually means we had a dry winter! Not only did we benefit from a dry fall in which we had time to produce a lot of tillers, we were also able to benefit from more spring tiller development. Typically, fall tillers produce most of the yield.
